Following the explosive revelations of property holdings in Dubai, politicians, military figures, and other individuals mentioned in the report have come forward to address the issue. They maintain that their properties in the United Arab Emirates have been duly declared to Pakistani tax authorities.
Among those named are Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Senator Faisal Vawda, Sher Afzal Marwat of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Sohail Habib Tajik, who assert ownership of properties in Dubai, stating that they have been officially declared.
Bilawal’s spokesperson, Zulfikar Ali Bader, emphasized that all assets of Bilawal and Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari have been declared, inherited after Benazir Bhutto’s passing.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi clarified that his wife’s Dubai property was fully disclosed in tax returns and reported to the Punjab Election Commission during his tenure as caretaker chief minister. He noted the recent sale of the property and the purchase of a new one with the proceeds.
Independent Senator Faisal Vawda dismissed the leaks as a “propaganda campaign” and questioned their timing and focus. He expressed concerns over the impact on investment initiatives, particularly with friendly nations.
Similarly, other officials named in the leaks, such as Sindh Minister Memon and AJK IGP Dr. Tajik, affirmed the declaration of their properties in annual asset disclosures.
PPP lawmaker Mirza Ikhtiar Baig disclosed ownership of properties in partnership with family members, emphasizing their inclusion in tax returns and compliance with rental income taxes.
Former military officials, including Lt Gen Shafaatullah Shah, Maj Gen Najamul Hasan Shah, and Maj Gen Raja Muhammad Arif Nazir, acknowledged Dubai property ownership and asserted compliance with Pakistani tax regulations, despite some unresolved issues such as incomplete construction and delayed possession.
